Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
Checkout http://www.alwaysonvpn.com/ Umar. On Sun, 13 Mar 2005 11:21:02 +, Darrell Berry [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena. - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Thanks - Darrell ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
tim panton wrote: On 13 Mar 2005, at 11:21, Darrell Berry wrote: hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Yep, we are a few months further down the line than you. Having had a total failure of our internet connection twice in a year (both occasions lasting more than 24 hours) I shied away from the pure VOIP route. For historical reasons we have gone for an E1 (I happened to have one spare :-) ) even though we only have 5 users, so don't need the capacity It works really well and gives us room to grow services etc. We got lucky as when we ordered the line C+W (as was) were doing E1 with a minimum of 6 channels, since they sold that business unit to NTL the minimum is 8 channels - at ~ £15/month depending on the deal you strike. BT offer something similar with free install if you commit for 3 years (or so I'm told). Some implementation gotchas though (not really uk specific): 1) DONT use WiFi to connect the phones, the quality just isn't there. Even after lots of tweaking I still get the odd dropout in any call lasting longer than a couple of mins (I suspect that WEP is switching keys) 2) Modem lines are a problem. I have a couple of projects we support by dialup and going through asterisk is possible, but you get a slower connection. 3) I'm still investigating fax, but it looks like it is also possible with very careful setup. 4) when ordering the E1 line make sure you specify Q931, otherwise you may get something proprietary . If you want to have a chat about it drop me an email off list. Tim. http://www.westhawk.co.uk/ ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users Out of interest, what make/model of E1 card did you use in your *, I'm thinking of doing similar install in UK, thanks. Steve ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
[Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena. - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Thanks - Darrell ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
On Sun, 13 Mar 2005, Darrell Berry wrote: - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena. Hard SLAs may be tough to get unless the VoIP provider is also your Internet provider. - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Not living in the UK this may not be relevant but 8 channels is usually the balance point between multiple bri lines and a single pri. Since some asterisk features can tie up a lot of channels (conferences, queues etc) the safe bet in the long term is always to go with an E1 pri. Peter ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
RE: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
Darrell, You could try talking to Telappliant, (in London like yourselves), I use them for one of my connections and have found them very good. ISDN is the best way to go if you are looking for your own PSTN connections and to cut down on hardware in the machine I would be looking at an ISDN-30 as only one card is required for up to 30 lines. They say the break point for ISDN-2e to ISDN-30 is 8 lines here in the UK. Alternativly look around at some of the UK companies offering VOIP services it may be quicker and cheaper in the long run to get them to sort it all out for you. Two spring to mind www.telappliant.com and www.holdentel.com . Hope this helps. Dave -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Darrell Berry Sent: 13 March 2005 11:21 To: asterisk-users@lists.digium.com Subject: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions... hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena. - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Thanks - Darrell ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
Darrell Berry wrote: [..] - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! You might want to look at the QuadBRI cards by junghanns.net They offer support for 4 ISDN-BRI ie. 8 channels. -- Best regards Peer Oliver Schmidt PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
Darrell, Yes, done several implementations of Asterisk and Cisco Call Manager Express in this range in the UK. In both cases, I used Cisco 7940s for most users and 7960s for managers (they like to feel 'special'). On the CCME one, I used PoE. I used 2 BRIs (4 channels) on CCME, and a PRI E1 with 8 channels active with Asterisk. I also experimented with a VoIP provider for the Asterisk customer, but they decided on the PRI for QoS and SLA reasons. In my experience, most business users still want ISDN for these reasons; VoIP providers are not yet proven. I expect this will change in the next year or two. For 2, 4, or 6 channels, BRIs are cheaper. For 8 or more, you should choose a PRI. Personally, if I wanted 6 channels, I'd get an 8 channel PRI. I'd be wasting 2 channels (8 is the normal minimum for PRIs in the UK), but the ease of installation and less messing around from the provider would be worth it. I know this is an Asterisk list, but you should consider CCME. It doesn't have as many features as Asterisk, but then again is not dependant on PC hardware. You can pick up a CCME platform (minus interface cards) for about 1500 pounds these days. Alistair Cunningham, Integrics Ltd, Telephony, Database, Unix consulting worldwide +44 (0)7870 699 479 http://integrics.com/ Darrell Berry wrote: hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena. - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Thanks - Darrell ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
Re: [Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...
On 13 Mar 2005, at 11:21, Darrell Berry wrote: hi: Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is: *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP): - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is the area I'm least clear on! Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets? Yep, we are a few months further down the line than you. Having had a total failure of our internet connection twice in a year (both occasions lasting more than 24 hours) I shied away from the pure VOIP route. For historical reasons we have gone for an E1 (I happened to have one spare :-) ) even though we only have 5 users, so don't need the capacity It works really well and gives us room to grow services etc. We got lucky as when we ordered the line C+W (as was) were doing E1 with a minimum of 6 channels, since they sold that business unit to NTL the minimum is 8 channels - at ~ £15/month depending on the deal you strike. BT offer something similar with free install if you commit for 3 years (or so I'm told). Some implementation gotchas though (not really uk specific): 1) DONT use WiFi to connect the phones, the quality just isn't there. Even after lots of tweaking I still get the odd dropout in any call lasting longer than a couple of mins (I suspect that WEP is switching keys) 2) Modem lines are a problem. I have a couple of projects we support by dialup and going through asterisk is possible, but you get a slower connection. 3) I'm still investigating fax, but it looks like it is also possible with very careful setup. 4) when ordering the E1 line make sure you specify Q931, otherwise you may get something proprietary . If you want to have a chat about it drop me an email off list. Tim. http://www.westhawk.co.uk/ ___ Asterisk-Users mailing list Asterisk-Users@lists.digium.com http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
